COUNTRYSIDE: ACCESS AND THE LAW OF TRESPASS

Whether the numerous recent reports of areas of the countryside being "closed to the public" were in their opinion fair and accurate; and whether, if so, they will explain how that was possible despite the permissive state of the law of trespass.

Access to certain areas of the countryside was restricted because of the fire risk during the dry weather last month but it is not clear what connection there is between the use of statutory powers for this purpose and the state of the law of trespass. However, the Government have received certain representations from interested bodies about the way in which the law of trespass may be affecting access to the countryside and these are being considered.